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6 Best Solar Companies in Franklin, VA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated June 2024

Every year, more Franklin homeowners adopt rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and provide a dependable source of power. Transitioning to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing installers, we put together a guide to the most dependable solar companies in Franklin. These companies offer excellent service.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options

Top 6 Best Solar Companies in Franklin

Freedom Solar Power - Virginia Solar Panel Installers

Freedom Solar Power - Virginia Solar Panel Installers Logo

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500 Woodlake Dr Ste 109, Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 250-7626 freedomsolarpower.com

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Tesla powerwall
Consultation
Off-grid solar systems
Permit assistance
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system
Cleaning and maintenance
Skilled repairs
Financing assistance
Panel installation

Gault Electric LLC

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806 City Ctr Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606 (757) 220-3300 gaultelectric.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Financing assistance
Cleaning and maintenance

Big Boss Solar

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1781 Jamestown Rd #250, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (804) 808-1790 bigbosssolar.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Panel installation

Solar Services, Inc.

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877 Seahawk Cir #101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (757) 427-6300 solarservices.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Permit assistance
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

Unlimited Solar

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936 General Booth Blvd suite b, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 525-2760 myunlimitedsolar.com

Free quotes

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Financing assistance
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

SolarTyme

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6710 US-1, Richmond, VA 23237 (855) 391-3592 solartyme.net

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Since 2012, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors installing solar PV systems. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract plumbing, electrical or HVAC work.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar panels can help lower your electricity costs long-term. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local utility companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar panels. Check the eligibility rules and rebate values with your local power company to find out what you could save.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs is available through 2032. Many states also have incentives. These credits offer substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for upfront or financed over time with a loan or lease. Confirm key financing details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Franklin

The cost of home solar panels in Franklin depends on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $3,590 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, labor, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Franklin are 7.7 kilowatts, and the typical Franklin homeowners spends $19,344 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.

Franklin Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction

Incentive Amount:

20% of the sales tax paid by an individual

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: law.lis.virginia.gov

Incentive Amount:

Depends on the local governing body

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: dmme.virginia.gov

Incentive Amount:

Varies (local option)

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Franklin, VA

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.

With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.

It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Virginia being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.

Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Franklin amount to $765.

The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel four times a year. Your solar contractor might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.

Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to notify your insurer about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.

Other Franklin, VA Home Services